18 died on Georgia roads during the extended New Year’s weekend, including Rockmart and Cedartown men. Together with Christmas, 46 people during during in holidays crashes.

New Year’s Day crash kills driver in Paulding, according to the Georgia State Patrol: The driver, James A. MacArthur, age 56, of Rockmart, was traveling north on Woodrow Kay Road in Paulding County. Mr. MacArthur lost control of his vehicle while negotiating a curve. His vehicle began to rotate counter clockwise, exiting the roadway. The vehicle struck a utility pole with its passenger side. Mr. MacArthur was transported to Kennestone Hospital with extensive injuries and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. He was wearing his seatbelt. The trooper suspects that alcohol use may be a contributing factor to the crash.

Another local victim: Today’s obituaries also lists the following: “Rev. John Clifford Vines, age 49, of Cedartown, passed away on Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at an Atlanta hospital due to complications from an automobile accident.” We have not found additional details on that accident as yet. For more on his obituary, please click here.

Final New Year’s report: Traffic crashes across Georgia during the New Year’s holiday travel period resulted in 18 traffic deaths. This year, the holiday travel period was 102-hours long. It began at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 28, and ended at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1.

Statewide, Georgia State Troopers investigated 550 traffic crashes that resulted in 223 injuries and seven fatalities. In addition to the traffic crash investigations, 368 people were arrested for driving under the influence, while 6,971 citations and 11,339 warnings were issued.

During the 2017 New Year’s holiday travel period, which was 78 hours long, the state patrol worked 370 wrecks that resulted in 205 injuries and five fatalities. In addition, troopers issued 6,542 citations, 10,680 warnings, and arrested 234 people for driving under the influence.

The Christmas 2018 holiday: 26 people died in accidents over the 126-hour holiday period, including one each in Floyd and Bartow counties. In 2017, 15 people died over the 102-hour Christmas holiday.